Temperature sensor with digital bandgap

ABSTRACT

A system comprises a temperature sensor generate multiple base-emitter voltage signals by sequentially providing various currents to a transistor, and a system controller to determine a differential voltage signal according to the multiple base-emitter voltage signals, the differential voltage signal proportional to an environmental temperature associated with the transistor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/912,399, filed Apr. 17, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to programmable temperature sensors, and more particularly to programmable temperature sensors for integrated circuits.

BACKGROUND

Conventional temperature sensors typically include a pair of fixed current sources and a pair of bipolar junction transistors that operate with different current densities. For instance, a first bipolar junction transistor has a first voltage V_(BE) according when it receives and passes a first current from one of the fixed current sources, while the second bipolar junction transistor has a second voltage V_(BE) according when it receives and passes a second current from the other fixed current source. These conventional temperature sensors will include a subtraction circuit coupled to each of bipolar junction transistors and to determine a voltage difference ΔV_(BE) between the first and second voltages V_(BE) from the bipolar junction transistors. Since a voltage difference ΔV_(BE) is proportional to an Absolute Temperature (PTAT) value, the determination of the voltage difference ΔV_(BE) allows the conventional temperature sensors to determine the temperature of its environment. Although these conventional temperature sensors can determine the temperature of their environment, they occupy a relatively large area on a chip and consume a relatively large amount of power.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be best understood by reading the disclosure with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a temperature sensor system according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of embodiments of a temperature sensor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of embodiments of an analog-to-digital converter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an example flowchart of the temperature sensor system systems shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a temperature sensor system 100 according to embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the temperature sensor system 100 includes a temperature sensor 102, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 104, control logic 106, and a microcontroller 108. The temperature sensor 102 may generate multiple analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals and provide the analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals to the analog-to-digital converter 104. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 102 may generate the analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals by sequentially providing one current to a bipolar junction transistor to determine a first analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signal and then providing a different current to the bipolar junction transistor to determine a second analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signal. The number of base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals that the temperature sensor 102 generates and the currents utilized to generate them may be programmable or controllable depending on the resolution and granularity requirements for the temperature sensing system 100. Embodiments of the temperature sensor 102 will be described below in greater detail.

The analog-to-digital converter 104 may convert the analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals into digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals and provide the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals to the microcontroller 108. In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital converter 104 may be a passive converter, thus consuming less power and chip area compared with active converters that typically include an amplifier that is not required in the converter using passive elements. Embodiments of the analog-to-digital converter 104 will be described below in greater detail.

The microcontroller 108 may determine a differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) from the multiple digital representations of base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals provided by the analog-to-digital converter 104. For instance, when two digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals are provided from the analog-to-digital converter 104, the microcontroller 108 may take the difference between the two digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals to determine the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE).

The microcontroller 108 may utilize the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) that it determines, and the fact that the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) is proportional to an Absolute Temperature (PTAT) value, to sense an environmental temperature value. The microcontroller 108 may use a look-up table (not shown) or other calculation to determine the environmental temperature from the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE).

When more than two digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals are provided from the analog-to-digital converter 104, the microcontroller 108 may use any number of methods to determine the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE). For instance, the microcontroller 108 may find a difference from any two of the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals and utilize the difference as the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE). In some embodiments, the microcontroller 108 may approximate the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) from the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals by averaging multiple differences of the between the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals or by selecting one of the differences, such as the median difference, as the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE).

The control logic 106 may control operations of the temperature sensor 102 and the analog-to-digital converter 104. For instance, the control logic 106 may select the number of base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals that are generated by the temperature sensor 12, and the current value utilized to generate the base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals. The control logic 106 may also control the operation, and/or timing of the analog-to-digital converter 104. In some embodiments, the control logic 106 may control the operations of the temperature sensor 102 and the analog-to-digital converter 104 according to the microcontroller 108.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of embodiments of a temperature sensor 102 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 102 may include a variable current source 202 to provide current to a transistor 208. The variable current source 202 may have a plurality of fixed current sources I0-I7 that may be coupled in a current mirror configuration. Although FIG. 2 shows the variable current source 202 having eight fixed current sources, in some embodiments the variable current source 202 may include any number of fixed current sources capable of generating any magnitude of current. The transistor 208 may be a bipolar junction transistor having a base-emitter voltage V_(BE) that corresponds to the magnitude of current provided to it by the variable current source 202.

The variable current source 202 provides current to the transistor 208, which generates an analog base-emitter voltage responsive to the current. This analog base-emitter voltage is then provided to the microcontroller 108 after conversion by analog-to-digital converter 104. The variable current source 202 may then provide another current, with a different magnitude, to the transistor 208, which generates another analog base-emitter voltage responsive to the new current. After receiving the new base-emitter voltage, the microcontroller 108 is capable of determining the differential base-emitter voltage and thus the environmental temperature for the system 100.

The variable current source 202 may generate and provide current to a switch network 204. The switch network 204 may be adapted to selectively couple the transistor 208 to the variable current source 202, or one of the plurality of fixed current sources I0-I7, in response to prompting by a sequencer 206. The sequencer 208 may control the operation of the switch network 204 responsive to input signaling from the microprocessor 108. In some embodiments, a sequencer 206 may indicate to the variable current source the amount of current to provide the switch network 204.

The switch network 204 provides current from the variable current source 202 to the transistor 208, which generates an analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE). The analog base-emitter voltage V_(BE) may be provided to the analog-to-digital converter 104 for conversion into a digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signal. The digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signal may be provided to the microcontroller 108 for further processing. This process, of the variable current source 202 generating a current that is provided to the transistor 208 via the network switch 204, is then repeated with at least one different current magnitude.

In some embodiments, the sequencer 206 may cyclically select one or more of the fixed current sources I0 to I7 during the generation of a first base-emitter voltage, and subsequently select one or more of the fixed current sources I0 to I7 during the generation of a second or any other base-emitter voltage. A current ratio larger than 1 may be maintained between the current utilized to generate the first base-emitter voltage and at least one of the second or subsequent base-emitter voltages. This current ratio may ensure the temperature sensing system 100 determines a large ΔV_(BE), and thus generates a linear variation in temperature.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 102 may further include a current trim circuit 210 to trim current from the transistor 208 as it is provided to the analog-to-digital converter 104. In some embodiments, a current reference for the current trim circuit 210 may be about 2.5 μA. Although not shown, the temperature sensor 102 may include a trim register for calibrating the current trim circuit 210.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of embodiments of an analog-to-digital converter 104 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 3, the analog-to-digital converter 104 includes an integrator stage having a configurable switched capacitor sampling and feedback path to support a multi-resolution output. In some embodiments, sampling capacitor CS and feedback capacitor CFB can be programmed up to 200 fF with 50 fF steps and accumulation capacitance may be selectable in steps of 25 pF up to 100 pF.

A comparator 310 may be configured with a pre-amplification stage and a dynamic latch at its output. The comparator 310 can be clocked at variable frequencies, and may be designed to meet 12 MHz. Feedback control signals may be delayed by half cycle, as the feedback sets in during the first phase.

FIG. 4 is an example flowchart of the temperature sensor system systems shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, in a block 402, the temperature sensing system 100 generates an analog voltage V_(BE). The analog voltage V_(BE) may be generated by providing a current from a variable current source 202 to the transistor 208. The transistor 208 may generate the analog voltage V_(BE) responsive to the current from the variable current source 202. In some embodiments, during the generation of the analog voltages in block 402, the microcontroller 108 may prompt the generation of the analog voltages in block 402 by causing the sequencer 206 to select at least one of the current paths I₀ to I₇ to be coupled to the transistor 208.

In a block 404, the temperature sensing system 100 generate another analog voltage V_(BE). This analog voltage V_(BE) may be generated by providing a different current from a variable current source 202 to the transistor 208. This current may be much higher or much lower than the current utilized in block 402, thus allowing increased resolution or precision in any subsequent determination of a differential base-emitter voltage.

In some embodiments, the microcontroller 108 may prompt the generation of the analog voltages in block 404 by causing the sequencer 206 to select five current paths I₀ to I₇ to be coupled to the transistor 208. The microcontroller 108 may direct the sequencer 206 to cyclically select at least one of the current paths I₀ to I₇ during the generation of the analog voltages in block 404. A current ratio of about 1:29 may be maintained between the current utilized to generate the analog voltage in block 402 and at least one of the analog voltages generated in block 404. This current ratio may ensure the temperature sensing system 100 determines a large ΔV_(BE), and thus generates a linear variation in temperature.

In a decision block 406, the temperature sensing system 100 determines whether to generate at least one more analog voltage V_(BE). When the temperature sensing system 100 determines to generate at least one more analog voltage V_(BE), execution returns to block 404, where the temperature sensing system 100 generate another analog voltage V_(BE). Otherwise, execution proceeds to a block 408, where the temperature sensing system 100 converts the analog voltages V_(BE) into digital voltages V_(BE). In some embodiments, the temperature sensing system 100 may convert the analog voltages V_(BE) into digital voltages V_(BE) prior to decision block 406.

In a block 410, the temperature sensing system 100 determines a differential voltage ΔV_(BE) according to the digital voltages V_(BE). As discussed above, there are many techniques for the microprocessor 108 to determine the differential voltage ΔV_(BE) from the digital voltages. For instance, when two digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals are provided from the analog-to-digital converter 104, the microcontroller 108 may take the difference between the two digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals to determine the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE). When more than two digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals are provided from the analog-to-digital converter 104, the microcontroller 108 may use any number of methods to determine the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE). For instance, the microcontroller 108 may find a difference from any two of the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals and utilize the difference as the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE). In some embodiments, the microcontroller 108 may approximate the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) from the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals by averaging multiple differences of the between the digital base-emitter voltage V_(BE) signals or by selecting one of the differences, such as the median difference, as the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE).

In a block 412, the temperature sensing system 100 determines a temperature according to the differential voltage ΔV_(BE). As discussed above, the microcontroller 108 may utilize the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) that it determines, and the fact that the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE) is proportional to an Absolute Temperature (PTAT) value, to sense an environmental temperature value. The microcontroller 108 may use a look-up table (not shown) or other calculation to determine the environmental temperature from the differential base-emitter voltage ΔV_(BE).

One of skill in the art will recognize that the concepts taught herein can be tailored to a particular application in many other advantageous ways. In particular, those skilled in the art will recognize that the illustrated embodiments are but one of many alternative implementations that will become apparent upon reading this disclosure.

The preceding embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, “another”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. 

1. A method comprising: generating multiple base-emitter voltage signals by sequentially providing various currents to a transistor; determining a differential voltage signal according to the multiple base-emitter voltage signals, the differential voltage signal proportional to an environmental temperature associated with the transistor; generating a first base-emitter voltage signal when a first current signal is provided to the transistor; generating a second base-emitter voltage signal when a second current signal is provided to the transistor; determining a difference between the first base-emitter voltage signal and the second base-emitter voltage signal; determining the differential voltage signal, at least in part, according to the determined difference between the first base-emitter voltage signal and the second base-emitter voltage signal; generating a third base-emitter voltage signal when a third current signal is provided to the transistor; determining difference between at least one of the first base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal or the second base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal; and determining the differential voltage signal, at least in part, according to the determined difference between at least one of the first base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal or the second base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal; wherein determining the differential voltage signal includes averaging multiple differences determined between various base-emitter voltage signals.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the multiple base-emitter voltage signals are analog base-emitter voltage signals; and converting the analog base-emitter voltage signals to digital base-emitter voltage signals for use in determining the differential voltage signal.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein converting the analog base-emitter voltage signals to digital base-emitter voltage signals is performed by a passive analog-to-digital converter.
 4. A system comprising: means for generating multiple base-emitter voltage signals by sequentially providing various currents to a transistor; means for determining a differential voltage signal according to the multiple base-emitter voltage signals, the differential voltage signal proportional to an environmental temperature associated with the transistor means for generating a first base-emitter voltage signal when a first current signal is provided to the transistor; means for generating a second base-emitter voltage signal when a second current signal is provided to the transistor; means for determining a difference between the first base-emitter voltage signal and the second base-emitter voltage signal; means for determining the differential voltage signal, at least in part, according to the determined difference between the first base-emitter voltage signal and the second base-emitter voltage signal; means for generating a third base-emitter voltage signal when a third current signal is provided to the transistor; means for determining difference between at least one of the first base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal or the second base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal; means for determining the differential voltage signal, at least in part; according to the determined difference between at least one of the first base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal or the second base-emitter voltage signal and the third base-emitter voltage signal; means for averaging multiple differences determined between various base-emitter voltage signals to determine the differential voltage signal.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the multiple base-emitter voltage signals are analog base-emitter voltage signals and further comprising a means for converting the analog base-emitter voltage signals to digital base-emitter voltage signals for use in determining the differential voltage signal. 